How Does Botox Work?

Anyone who has shown at least a slight amount of interest in cosmetic procedures has heard of Botox. It is considered to be one of the most popular non-surgical procedures in use today. Around six million Botox treatments are administered every year. Both men and women have undergone this procedure, but there is more to Botox than that which meets the eye.

Facts about Botox

What is Botox? In the simplest of terms, it is an injection that consists of a minimal concentration of toxin derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. In large doses, Botulinum toxin can be lethal. Typically it is usually associated with poisoning from contaminated food products such as sausages or canned food. Through vast scientific research and refinement, the properties of this toxin were found to be effective in treating specific human ailments. The earliest uses of botulinum in humans were for treatment of strabismus, or lazy eye.

Scientist estimate that this is one of the most poisonous substances in the world, though it has the potential to be used in many treatments.

How Botox Works

Botox works by blocking neural signals from the muscles to the nerve. By inhibiting these signals, the muscles in the area where the toxin is injected becomes relaxed. This relaxing effect is particularly useful in smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Botox as a non-surgical cosmetic treatment

Why is Botox used in cosmetic procedure? With its properties considered, it is known to be one of the safest and most effective non-surgical method used for cosmetic enhancement, specifically in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is most effective when used in areas around the eyes making it look more taut and youthful.

Another advantage of Botox over other procedures is that it can be administered within minutes. You may want to ask, what’s the process of getting botox injections? There is no anaesthesia required, and a tiny needle is used to inject Botox into the targeted area. It is virtually painless, at a lower threshold than having an inoculation jab.

However, it is not unusual for a patient to be concerned that they may feel pain or feel some minor discomfort during the process. A trained clinician will understand these fears; topical anaesthetics are always offered to patients if required. For patients who are sensitive to pain, an anaesthetic cream can be applied before the procedure commences, to make it even more comfortable.

The effect of this treatment is not instant. You will have to wait about 3-5 days to see visible results. Full results can be observed after 1-2 weeks. It can be used in many areas around the face to rejuvenate the skin. It is commonly used in the following areas of the face:

How long do the results last?

The rejuvenating effect of Botox lasts for around three to four months, afterwards, you may need to have it topped-up. If you decide to discontinue the treatment, the muscles in the area will start functioning normally again and be subject to the natural ageing process. Having regular Botox injection can help you prevent dynamic wrinkles to become permanent static wrinkles. It is truly a great anti-ageing procedure.

How safe are Botox injections?

Like most clinical treatments, you should only have Botox injections administered by a licensed clinician. While it is generally safe, it is vital to ensure that you are also receiving the correct dosage.

There are very minimal side effects associated with Botox injections. Some may not even feel any at all. Rare side effects such as bruising or redness may occur but are only temporary. Very few patients may feel headaches, which disappears after about 24-48 hours. However, this is an infrequent occurrence. It is also recommended to avoid rubbing the area where Botox is to avoid unwanted dispersion.

As a precaution, Botox is not licensed and not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is also not suitable for a patient with certain known neurological conditions. Before getting any cosmetic treatment, always consult a doctor for advice.

Is there a recovery period?

Botox is popular partially because there’s only a short recovery period required. Botox administration is a common lunchtime procedure as there’s minimal recovery involved. For four hours after the process, strenuous exercise is not recommended. Makeup, skincare or touching the face should also be avoided for a few hours after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.

Why should you choose non-surgical cosmetic procedures?

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures like Botox are growing in popularity because they are safer and have little to no known side effects. In addition to this, the treatment is fast and efficient with typically rapid results.

Anyone who is looking for a way to improve their looks without having to expose themselves to the risks of surgery can get the same results through non-surgical procedures.

If you are considering getting Botox injections, always trust a clinic with licensed clinicians and medical professionals for a safe and fuss-free treatment. You need to find an advanced injectors that can consistently provide natural looking outcome.

Dr. Chia Tan is a UK trained medical doctor that specialises in cosmetic and aesthetic medicine and testosterone replacement therapy. He is qualified as a medical doctor since 2003 and has since trained extensively. He has been featured in several leading magazines as well as invited to appear on TV to discuss aesthetic medicine and the latest cosmetic procedures.

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I have a huge fear of needles and am resistant to the regular dosage of local anaesthetic. Dr Tan is an ardent professional. He is super patient, taking the time to ensure you're happy and prepared for treatments. He's happy to administer the correct amount of anaesthetic personally needed. As a patient I felt like I mattered and that my concerns were completely understood. It's easy to see why people visit him again and again, I've been gong for over two years. He cares. It's that simple.read more

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